Vacuum demand valve

ABSTRACT

A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/880,720, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,493, filed Jun. 13, 2001, whichApplication is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof,and upon which a claim of priority is based.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to valves used in conjunctionwith fluid containers or tubing, and more specifically to a vacuumdemand valve associated with a fluid container or within a tubing.

BACKGROUND PRIOR ART

In the medical field, beneficial agents are often delivered to patientsthrough polymeric tubing. When the quantity of the beneficial agentsmust be tightly, controlled, the beneficial agents are typicallydelivered intravenously via the tubing and regulated by a precisionpump. Many times, however, the quantities of the beneficial agentsintroduced into the patient do not need to be tightly controlled. Inthese instances, the beneficial agents are typically introduced to thepatient orally.

Oral administration of the beneficial agents is also accomplished viapolymeric tubing. To transfer the beneficial agent from a container tothe patient, one end of a length of tubing is brought into contact withthe beneficial agent while the other end of the tubing is inserted intothe patient's mouth. The patient then provides the vacuum pressurerequired to draw the beneficial agent from the container, through thetubing, and into the patient's mouth.

There are drawbacks associated with this method of delivery. Forinstance, patients are often sedated or medicated with drugs that causedrowsiness. Post-operative drowsiness caused by the effects ofanesthesia is also a common occurrence. Thus, patients often drift intoan involuntary unconscious state as a result of the drowsiness. Thisoften occurs during oral administration of the beneficial agent wherethe patient is providing the vacuum pressure necessary to draw thebeneficial agent from its container.

When the patient drifts into unconsciousness, the beneficial agent istypically spilled causing an undesirable waste. In addition, the messcaused by the spill must be attended to by hospital staff. Many times,the patient's gown must be changed; the bedding must be replaced; andthe floor in the surrounding area must be mopped. This is very costly tothe hospital as it depletes supplies and, more important, ties uphospital staff who ordinarily would be attending to more worthwhiletasks.

Similar problems are also experienced with fluid containers in general.For example, spillage problems are also associated with fluid containerscommonly used to contain water, soft drinks, sports drinks, alcoholicbeverages and the like. A suitable closure for such containers has notbeen developed that can address spillage problems while still being easyto use and economical to manufacture. Similar problems may also beexperienced with other types of fluid containers used in industry andvarious mechanical arts such as engines and the like. For example, oneis familiar with the problems arising with fluid spills in an industrialsetting, wherein the spill of a caustic or dangerous chemical causessignificant clean-up expense as well as placing workers in a potentiallyhazardous position.

The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a vacuum demand valve capable ofdispensing a flowable material. In one preferred embodiment, the vacuumdemand valve is attached to fluid container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubing comprisinga valve member openable by an external force supplied by a user. Thetubing generally comprises a sidewall, a proximal end, a distal end, anintermediate segment, and a valve member. The sidewall includes an innerwall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a passageway adapted fortransfer of a fluid substance. The intermediate segment is locatedbetween the proximal end and the distal end. The valve member is locatedalong the intermediate segment and has a closed condition wherein a flowof the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end isstopped and an open condition wherein the fluid substance is allowed toflow from the proximal end to the distal end. The valve member is biasedin the closed condition and is responsive to the external force providedby the user for placing the valve member in the open condition.

It is a further object of the present to provide a tubing having a valvemember which includes a diaphragm. The valve member also includes a portand a plunger. The diaphragm is responsive to an external force suppliedby the user, and a movement of the diaphragm in response to the externalforce places the valve member in an open condition. The plunger has afirst end joined to the diaphragm and a second end extending from thelower surface of the diaphragm. The second end of the plungersubstantially plugs the port when the valve member is in a closedcondition.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tubinghaving a valve member which includes a pore. The pore has a dilatingcentral portion. The dilating central portion is responsive to theexternal force and substantially sealed in the closed condition. Thedilating central portion expands or widens to allow the flow of fluidsubstance to pass therethrough.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tubinghaving a valve member which utilizes a poppet, spool, or plunger. Thevalve member also includes a plunger housing. The plunger is locatedwithin the plunger housing and forms a substantially fluid-tight sealtherewith. The plunger is slidable within the plunger housing inresponse to an external force provided by a user.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a tubinghaving a valve member which includes a flexible bladder. The flexiblebladder is responsive to the external force supplied by the user. In theclosed condition, the flexible bladder forms a substantially fluid-tightseal with a portion of the valve member. The valve member also includesa retainer extending inwardly from the inner wall of the tubing. Theretainer has flow holes to allow the fluid substance to flowtherethrough. A portion of the bladder is joined to the retainer.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a tubinghaving a valve member which includes a mechanical gate. The valve memberhas a port located within the passageway, a gate responsive to theexternal force provided by the user, a vacuum chamber, and a ventlocated within the vacuum chamber. The gate has a first portionseparated from a second portion by a hinge member. The first portion isbiased to form a substantially fluid-tight seal in the port. The secondportion is biased to form the vacuum chamber within the passageway. Thehinge member is moveably attached to a portion of the sidewall.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attachedto a fluid container;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 1 in the closedcondition;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 1 in the opencondition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attachedto a fluid container;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 4 in the closedcondition;

FIG. 6 is a side view of alternate valve member utilizing a diaphragm inthe closed condition;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 4 in the opencondition;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 8 in the closedcondition;

FIG. 10 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 8 taken along A—A of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 8 taken along B₁—B₁ ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 8 in the opencondition;

FIG. 13 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 8 taken along B₂—B₂ ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attachedto a fluid container;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 14 in the closedcondition;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 14 in the opencondition;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attachedto a fluid container;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 17 in the closedcondition;

FIG. 19 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 17 taken along A—A of FIG.18;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 17 in the opencondition;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attachedto a fluid container;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 21 in the closedcondition;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 21 in the opencondition;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attachedto a fluid container;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 24 in the closedcondition; and

FIG. 26 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 24 in the opencondition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications ofthe principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broadaspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-26, a vacuum demand valve of presentinvention is disclosed, generally referred to with the reference numeral10. In one preferred embodiment, the valve 10 may be embodied in atubular structure and may be referred to as a tubing 10. The valve ortubing 10, which in one embodiment, could be a medical tubing 10,generally comprises an elongated sidewall 12, a proximal end 14, adistal end 16, an intermediate segment 18, and a valve member 20. Thetubing 10 can generally be considered a housing of the valve. Theelongated sidewall 12 has an inner wall 22 which defines a passageway 24through which a flow of a flowable material, or fluid substance cantravel. The intermediate segment 18 joins the proximal end 14 with thedistal end 16. The distal end 16 is adapted for insertion into a user'smouth while the proximal end 14 is generally adapted for connection to acontainer. In one embodiment, the container can be a polymeric medicalcontainer 20 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. It is understood,however, that the proximal end 14 can be connected to a further lengthof a medical tubing or inserted directly into a fluid carrying containerwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. It shouldfurther be understood that the valve members 20 disclosed herein may beintegrated directly with a fluid container. It should further beunderstood that the valves or components thereof disclosed herein may beproduced from a flexibly polymeric material, such as the polymericmaterials that are typically used in the production of medical tubingand containers.

The valve member 20 is generally located within the intermediate segment18 of the tubing 10 and regulates the flow of the fluid substancethrough the passageway 24 from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16.The valve member 20 is biased in a closed condition (shown in, forexample, FIG. 2) wherein the flow of the fluid substance through thepassageway 24 is blocked or stopped by a portion of the valve member 20.An external force provided by a user actuates the valve member 20 fromthe closed condition to an open condition (shown, for example, in FIG.3) so that an obstruction or restriction is removed from the passageway24, and the fluid substance is allowed to flow through the demand valve10 or tubing 10. The external force applied can be a partial vacuumpressure applied through the passageway 24. The vacuum pressure ispreferably applied by the user drawing inward on the distal end 16 ofthe medical tubing, by mouth, similar to the manner in which a personwould use a straw. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the usermay provide a positive force to a portion of the valve member 20 whichwould transfer the valve member 20 from the closed condition to the opencondition. In either case, when the external force is removed from thevalve member 20, the obstruction or restriction is restored, and thevalve member 20 automatically returns to the closed condition. It isfurther understood that the partial vacuum can also be applied by asyringe, a pump, or other mechanical means.

The biasing of the valve member 20 is particularly beneficial. When theuser requires a flow of the fluid substance, for example water,medicine, or any flowable material or the like, the user applies theexternal force to a portion of the valve member 20 to actuate the flowthrough the passageway to the user's mouth. Once the external force isinterrupted, the flow is stopped. This is useful because for example, ina medical setting, patients can fall asleep during the administration ofthe fluid substance. If the flow is not automatically interrupted, itcan continue to flow through the passageway 24. Thus, the fluidsubstance is wasted, and a mess is created which often requires theuser's gown to be changed, the bedding to be changed, and/or the floorin the surrounding area to be mopped. These occurrences can tie upcostly hospital resources or simply be a housekeeping nuisance.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one form of the vacuum demand valve 10 isdisclosed. The valve has a valve member 20 which utilizes a diaphragm30. In this embodiment, the valve member 20 comprises a flexiblediaphragm 30. The valve 10 further has a housing 11 having first andsecond retainers 32,34, or upper and lower retainers 32, 34. Theretainers 32,34 are spaced to define an intermediate chamber 31 in thehousing 11. A vent hole 38 is provided in the housing. The housing 11has an outlet chamber 23 defining an outlet opening 25. The housing 11further has an inlet chamber 27 defining an inlet opening 29. The valve10 further has a plunger 36. The flexible diaphragm 30 is responsive tothe external force provided by the user to acuate the valve member 20from the closed condition (shown in FIG. 2) to the open condition (shownin FIG. 3).

The flexible diaphragm 30 extends inwardly into the passageway 24 fromthe inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 and into the intermediate chamber31. The diaphragm 30 has an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 42. Anouter peripheral portion 44 of the flexible diaphragm 30 is attached tothe inner wall 22 so that the flexible diaphragm 30 is moveable eitherdownstream towards the proximal end 14 or upstream towards the distalend 16. The flexible diaphragm 30 has a central opening 43 through whichthe plunger 36 is inserted. The flexible diaphragm 30 is fixedlyconnected to the plunger 36 so that the movement of the flexiblediaphragm 30 either upstream or downstream is transferred directly tothe plunger 36.

The upper retainer 32 is located upstream of the flexible diaphragm 30toward the distal end 16. The upper retainer 32 extends inwardly intothe passageway 24 from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 of thehousing and has an upper surface 46 and a lower surface 48. The plunger36 passes through a central opening 50 in the upper retainer 32. Theplunger 36 is slidable within the central opening 50; however, at leasta substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the plunger 36 andthe central opening 50.

The vent 38 is located between the flexible diaphragm 30 and the upperretainer 32. The vent 38 passes through the sidewall 12 of the medicaltubing 10 and allows a positive pressure to build between the upperretainer 32 and the flexible diaphragm 30, thus actuating the valvemember 20 from the closed condition to the open condition.

The lower retainer 34 is located downstream of the flexible diaphragm 30toward the proximal end 14. The lower retainer 34 is similar to theupper retainer 32. Accordingly, the lower retainer 34 extends inwardlyinto the passageway 24 from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 of themedical tubing 10 and has an upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54.The plunger 36 passes through a central opening 56 in the lower retainer34. The plunger 36 is slidable within the central opening 56 of thelower retainer 34, and at least a substantially fluid-tight seal isformed between the plunger 36 and the central opening 56.

The plunger 36 is generally an elongated cylindrical member having firstand second ends 58, 60, a portion of each is disposed within the centralopenings 50, 56 of the upper and lower retainers 32, 34 respectively.The second end 60 includes a head portion 62 which acts as a stop toprevent the second end 60 from being completely withdrawn from the lowerretainer 34.

The plunger 36 also includes a fluid flow through passage 64 and avacuum passage 66. The flow through passage 64 acts as a port whichtransfers the fluid substance from the proximal end 14 through theplunger 36 to the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10. Accordingly,the flow through passage 64 has an outlet 68 located at the first end 58of the plunger 36 and an inlet 70 located at the second end 60 of theplunger 36. The inlet 70 is sealed against or obstructed by a portion ofthe lower retainer 34, or second retainer 34, when the valve member 20is in the closed condition.

The vacuum passage 66 transfers a vacuum pressure provided by the userthrough the plunger 36 to a vacuum chamber 72. The vacuum passage 66,thus, has an inlet 74 located at the first end 58 of the plunger 36 andan outlet 76 located within the vacuum chamber 72.

In use, the user draws in on the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10.The vacuum pressure created by the drawing in action is transferredthrough the vacuum passage 66 to the vacuum chamber 72. As shown in FIG.3, the flexible diaphragm 30 is drawn downstream towards the proximalend 14 of the medical tubing 10. The plunger 30 moves downstream withthe diaphragm 30 so that the inlet 70 of the fluid flow through passage64 is released from the seal created with a portion of the lowerretainer 34, and the fluid substance is free to flow from the proximalend 14 to the distal end 16 via the fluid flow through passage 64. Whenthe vacuum pressure is released, the diaphragm 30 returns to itsoriginal position, and the fluid flow through passage 64 is resealedagainst a portion of the lower retainer 34.

It is understood that with the vent 38, the diaphragm 30 is subject toan index pressure PI. In one form of the invention, the index pressurePI could be ambient pressure. A partial vacuum, represented by apressure P2 (FIG. 3), can be applied by a user to draw the diaphragm 30and open the valve 10.

A second embodiment of the valve 10 or tubing 10 is illustrated in FIGS.4-7. This embodiment also comprises a flexible diaphragm. The flexiblediaphragm of this embodiment differs from the flexible diaphragm of thefirst embodiment in that it can be actuated by an external forceprovided by the user which takes the form of a vacuum pressure or,alternatively, a positive pressure.

The valve 10 has a housing 81 defining a passageway between an outletopening and an inlet opening. The housing has an inner wall 83. Thevalve member 20 of this embodiment includes a port 80, or inner opening80 through the inner wall. The inner wall 83 divides the passageway intoa first chamber and a second chamber. The valve 10 also has aspring-loaded diaphragm 82 that fits within an aperture of the housing.The diaphragm 82 is responsive to an external force provided by theuser, and a plunger 84. The port 80 is positioned between the proximalend 14 and the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10 and is the portionof the valve member 20 through which the fluid substance must travel tobe delivered to the user.

The diaphragm 82 has an upper surface 86 and a lower surface 88 and ismounted within an aperture 90 formed in the sidewall 12 of the medicaltubing so that a fluid-tight seal is formed between an outer peripheralportion 92 of the diaphragm 82 and the sidewall 12. The diaphragm 82 isdome-shaped. A portion of the diaphragm 82 extends inwardly into thepassageway 24 from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 of the medicaltubing 10. The diaphragm 82 is moveable inwardly from the sidewall 12and into the passageway 24 in response to either a vacuum pressureprovided by the user by withdrawing on the distal end 16 of the medicaltubing 10 or by providing a positive pressure to the upper surface 86 ofthe diaphragm 82 with, for example, the user's fingers.

The plunger 84, or stop, extends inwardly from the lower surface 88 ofthe diaphragm 82 into the passageway 24. In this embodiment, the plunger84 is integral with the diaphragm 82 so that it is actually a portion ofthe diaphragm 82. Thus, the movement of the diaphragm 82 is transferredto the plunger 84. The diaphragm 82 is biased so that a portion of theplunger 84 at least substantially seals the port 80 so the fluidsubstance cannot flow therethrough.

The plunger 84 is generally an elongated cylindrical member having firstand second ends 94, 96. The plunger is tapered along its length. Thesecond end 96 includes a head portion 98 which acts as a stop, plug,obstruction, or restriction within the port 80 to prevent the flow offluid substance from flowing through the port 80 when the valve member20 is in the closed condition.

In use, when a user desires the fluid substance to be delivered tohis/her mouth, the user can draw inward on the distal end 16 of themedical tubing 10. An outer surface of the diaphragm may be subject toan index pressure. In one preferred embodiment, the index pressure maybe ambient pressure. A partial vacuum, represented by P2 in FIG. 7, actson a portion of the diaphragm 82. The diaphragm 82 is deflectableinwardly from the sidewall 12 into the passageway 24. Likewise, theplunger 84 moves inwardly and the stop, plug, obstruction, orrestriction is removed from the port 80, and the fluid substance isallowed to flow therethrough.

Alternatively, the user can provide a positive pressure to the uppersurface 86 of the diaphragm 82. The positive pressure forces thediaphragm 82 inwardly into the passageway 24. Again, the plunger 84 isforced inwardly, and the stop, plug, obstruction, or restriction isremoved from the port 80, and the fluid is allowed to flow therethrough.

FIG. 6 shows a slightly alternative embodiment of the diaphragm 82 andthe inner wall 83. The inner opening of the inner wall 83 has a taperedinner surface. The diaphragm 82 has a stop having a curved peripheralsurface. This surface is spaced from the tapered inner surface of theopening when the diaphragm 82 is in the second position or deflectedposition.

Another embodiment of the valve 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-13. In thisembodiment, the valve member 20 comprises a duckbill mechanism. Thevalve member 20 of this embodiment may also be placed in the opencondition either via a vacuum pressure or a positive pressure exerted onthe sidewall 12 of the medical tubing 10.

The valve member 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 through 13 comprises apore member 100. The pore member 100 has a central portion 102 whichdilates when the valve member 20 is in the open condition. The centralportion 102 is at least substantially sealed in the closed condition andresponsive to the external force provided by the user wherein thedilating central portion 102 expands to allow the flow of fluidsubstance to pass therethrough.

The central portion 102 includes an inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill104. The inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 104 has a hinge portion 106joined to the sidewall 12 of the medial tubing 10 and a separable slit108 located within the passageway 24 and apart from the inner wall 22.The separable slit 108 is at least substantially sealed when the valvemember 20 is in the closed condition. The valve member 20 is responsiveto a deflection in the sidewall to open the valve member.

The hinge portion 106 is responsive to an external force applied by auser to the sidewall 12 and preferably in an area proximate the hingeportion 106. When the external force is applied, a portion of theinwardly, tapered flexible duckbill 104 is displaced inwardly into thepassageway 24. The separable slit 108 parts to allow the flow of fluidsubstance to pass therethrough.

To operate the valve member 20 by a vacuum pressure, the user applies avacuum pressure to the distal end 16. A pair of support members 110extend upstream from the valve member 20 towards the distal end 16 ofthe tubing 10. The support members 110 act as spacers to prevent thetubing 10 from collapsing on itself in response to a vacuum pressuresupplied by the user to the distal end 16. The vacuum pressure causesthe sidewalls 12 to collapse and, in turn, causes the separable slit 108to open to allow the flow of fluid as shown in FIG. 12.

Further, the valve member 20 is positioned in the passageway in anintermediate portion of the housing. A first support member attached tothe inner sidewall surface and extends along a portion of the housing.The support member is coactive with the deflection of the sidewall tocontrol the opening of the valve member. The support member comprises arib. The rib extends from proximate the proximal end to proximate thevalve member. The valve 10 could also have a second support member. Thehousing can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape andwherein the second support member is circumferentially spaced from thefirst support member. The rib can have a generally arcuatelongitudinal-sectional shape. The rib increases in height from a minimumheight to a maximum height and wherein the maximum height is proximatethe proximal end. The rib has lateral edges that taper inwardly andupwardly as the rib extends away from the inner sidewall. The rib iseffective to prevent the housing from fully collapsing.

Another embodiment of the valve 10 is illustrated if FIGS. 14-16. Thisembodiment also comprises valve member 20 having a duckbill mechanism.The valve 10 also has a slidable member mounted for reciprocatingmovement within the housing. Thus, the valve member 20 comprises a poremember 112. The pore member 112 has a central portion 114 which opens bydilating. The central portion 114 is at least substantially sealed inthe closed condition and responsive to the external force provided bythe user wherein the dilating central portion 114 expands to allow theflow of fluid substance to pass therethrough.

The central portion 114 includes an inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill116. The inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 116 has a hinge portion 118joined to the sidewall 12 and a separable slit 119 located within thepassageway 24 and apart from the inner wall 22. The separable slit 119is at least substantially sealed when the valve member 20 is in theclosed condition.

The valve member 20 further comprises a piston 120 and a vent hole 122.The piston 120 is at least substantially sealed against the inner wall22 of the medical tubing 10 and slidable within the passageway 24 inresponse to the external force provided by the user. The vent hole 122is located between piston 120 and the pore member 112 and passes throughthe sidewall 12 of medical tubing 10. A hydrophobic filter 123 islocated within the vent hole 122 to prevent the fluid substance fromleaking out of the medical tubing 10 through the vent hole 122.

The piston 120 includes a central chamber 124, a retainer 126, a tubularmember 128, and an elastic member 130. The central chamber 124 passesthrough an interior portion of the piston 120 and includes inwardlytapered walls 132. The inwardly tapered walls 132 cooperate with theinwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 116 to seal the separable slit 118when the valve member 20 is in the closed condition. Thus, the tapered,flexible duckbill 116 fits snug within the central chamber 124 so thatthe central chamber 124 provides a force for maintaining the separableslit 118 at least substantially sealed.

The retainer 126 is located upstream of the central chamber 124 towardsthe distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10. The retainer 126 extendsinwardly from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 into the passageway24 and includes a plurality of flow holes 134 and a central hole 136.The purpose of the retainer 126 is to support the tubular member 128within the passageway 24.

The tubular member 128 has a first end 138 and a second end 140. Thefirst end 138 is frictionally supported by the central hole 136 of theretainer 126 and slidable therethrough. The second end 140 is fixedlyattached to the piston 120. In the open condition, the fluid substancetravels through the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 116, the centralchamber 124, and the tubular member 128.

The elastic member 130 provides a biasing force on the piston 120 sothat the separable slit 118 is at least substantially sealed within thecentral chamber 124. The elastic member 130 is preferably a spring woundabout the tubular member 128 and compressible against the retainer 126.

The valve 10 further has a slidable member 133 mounted for reciprocatingmovement within the housing and in response to a pressure applied to thehousing. The slidable member is moveable from a first positioncontacting the valve member to retain the valve member in a closedposition to a second position where the valve member moves to the openposition. The slidable member defines a fluid flow path therethrough.The elastic member 130 biases the slidable member in a first position.The slidable member has a seal having a chamber for engaging a portionof the valve member. The duckbill valve member has a sloping outersurface. The seal has a chamber having inwardly tapered wallsdimensioned to fit over the duckbill valve sloping outer surface.

In use, the user draws inwardly on the distal end 16 so that a vacuumpressure is created within the passageway 24. The vacuum pressure passesthrough the flow holes 134 in the retainer 126 and causes the piston 120to move upstream towards the distal end 16 against the biasing forceprovided by the elastic member 130. The sealing force provided by thecentral chamber 124 on the separable slit 118 is removed, and the flowof the fluid substance travels from the proximal end 14 through the poremember 112, the central chamber 124, and the tubular member 128 to thedistal end 16.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20. In this embodiment,the valve member 20 includes a flexible bladder 140. The flexiblebladder 140 is responsive to a vacuum pressure provided by the user tothe distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10. The valve 10 has a housing11 having an inner surface defining a passageway between an outletopening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to passtherethrough.

The valve member 20 of this embodiment comprises the flexible bladder140, a retainer 144, and a support member 146. The flexible bladder 140is generally a pressurized vessel which elongates in response to thevacuum pressure provided by the user to actuate the valve member 20 andtransfer the valve member 20 to the open condition. The flexible bladder140 is deflectable to be spaced away from the inner wall 22. Theflexible bladder 140 includes a sealing ring portion 148 which forms atleast a substantially fluid-tight seal in cooperative engagement with aportion of the inner wall 22 of the medical tubing 10 when the valvemember 20 is in the open condition. A stem 150 for attaching theflexible bladder to the retainer 144 extends downstream toward theproximal end 14 of the medical tubing 10.

The retainer 144 is located downstream of the flexible bladder 140 andextends inwardly from the inner wall 22 of the medical tubing 10 intothe passageway 24. A plurality of flow holes 152 in the retainer 144allow the flow of fluid substance to pass through the retainer 144. Thestem 150 of the flexible bladder 144 is attached to a central portion ofthe retainer 144.

The support member 146 prevents the flexible bladder 44 fromover-elongation towards the distal end 16 and prevents the distal end 16of the medical tubing 10 from collapsing on itself in response to thevacuum pressure provided by the user Accordingly, the support member 146extends along a length of the inner wall 22 from the flexible bladder144 to the distal end 16. The support member 146 generally comprises aplurality of ribs 154 extending inwardly from the inner wall 22 whereina cross-sectional area of the passageway 24 is decreased by theplurality of ribs 154.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 21-23. In this embodiment,the valve member 20 includes a poppet, spool, or plunger 160. Theplunger 160 is responsive to a vacuum pressure provided by the user. Thevalve member 20 of this embodiment further comprises a plunger housing162 and a vent hole 164 passing through the sidewall 12 of the housing.

The plunger 160 is mounted within the plunger housing 162 and isslidable therein. The plunger 160 has a fluid passage 166 which isobstructed so that it is at least substantially sealed against a portionof the plunger housing 162 when the valve member 20 is in the closedcondition. The fluid passage 166 is unobstructed and aligned with thepassageway 24 to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethroughwhen the valve member 20 is in the open condition.

The plunger housing 162 includes a vacuum chamber 168 and a vent chamber170. An elastic member 172 is generally mounted within the vacuumchamber 168 to bias the plunger 160 towards the vent chamber 168 whereinthe fluid passage 166 is obstructed against a portion of the plungerhousing 162. The elastic member 172 is preferably a compression spring.The vent hole 164 is located within the vent chamber 168.

The distal end 16 of the tubing of this embodiment includes a vacuumduct 174 and a fluid duct 176. The vacuum and fluid ducts 174, 176 arelocated within the passageway 24 between the valve member 20 and along alength of the distal end 16. The fluid passage 166 of the plunger 160 isaligned with the fluid duct 176 when the valve member 20 is in the opencondition. The vacuum duct 174 is aligned with the vacuum chamber 168.

The housing 162 may have a first fluid conduit in fluid communicationwith the housing. The plunger 160, or valve member 160 is mounted forreciprocating movement within the housing. The valve member 162 definesa second fluid conduit therethrough. The valve member 162 is moveablefrom a first position where the first fluid conduit is substantiallyconcentrically disposed with respect to the second fluid conduit toprovide a third fluid conduit (FIG. 23) through the housing to a secondposition where the first fluid conduit is not in fluid communicationwith the second fluid conduit (FIG. 22). The vacuum duct 174, or vacuumconduit 174 is in fluid communication with the housing.

In this embodiment, the external force provided by the user is a vacuumpressure. The vacuum pressure is applied through the vacuum duct 174.The vacuum pressure causes the plunger 160 to compress the elasticmember 172 and the fluid passage 166 is aligned with the passageway 24so that the flow of the fluid substance can travel through the tubing tothe user. Thus, the valve member 160 is responsive to a negativepressure applied to the housing through the vacuum conduit to move thevalve member from the second position to the first position. A biasingmember 172 in the form of a spring biases the valve member 160 in thesecond position. The valve member 160 divides the housing into anexpansion chamber and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum duct is in fluidcommunication with the vacuum chamber.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. In this embodiment,the valve member 20 includes a mechanical gate mechanism 180 responsiveto an external force provided by the user. The valve 10 has a housingdefining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inlet opening fora flowable material to pass therethrough. The housing has an innersurface.

The valve member 20 of this embodiment further comprises a port 182, avent hole 184 passing through the sidewall 12 of the tubing, and anelastic member 186. The vent hole 184 includes a hydrophobic filter 188.

The gate 180 includes a first portion 190 and a second portion 192. Inthe closed condition, the first portion 190 forms at least asubstantially fluid-tight seal in the port 182, and the second portionforms at least a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner wall 22of the medical tubing 10 so that a vacuum chamber 194 is formed. Thevent hole 184 is located within the vacuum chamber 194.

The first and second portions 190, 192 of the gate 180 are separated bya hinge member 196. The hinge member 196 is pivotably attached to aportion of the sidewall 12. Accordingly, the hinge member 196 isattached to the sidewall 12 at a fulcrum 198 which extend inwardly fromthe inner wall 22 into the passageway 24.

The elastic member 186 is for biasing the gate 180 so that the valvemember 20 is biased in the closed condition. The elastic member 186 isfixedly attached to the second portion 192 of the gate 180 and the innerwall 22 of the medical tubing 10. Thus, the elastic member 186 of thisembodiment is preferably a return spring.

In use, the user draws inwardly on the distal end 16 of the medicaltubing 10. The vacuum pressure causes the second portion 192 of the gate180 to move upstream towards the distal end 16 and against the biasingforce provided by the elastic member 186. Thus, the gate 180 pivots uponthe fulcrum 198. The valve member 20 is, thus, in the open conditionwhere the first portion 190 moves downstream towards the proximal end12, and the seal in the port 182 is released so the flow of the fluidsubstance can pass through the passageway 24. When the vacuum pressureis removed, the gate 180 returns to its original position, and the valvemember 20 returns to the closed condition.

The valves 10 of the present invention have a broad variety of uses andapplications. The valve 10 is ideal for using with hot or cold drinks,as well as non-carbonated drinks. The valves 10 can be connected to adrink container. Users can easily carry such a container on theirperson. Containers holding, for example, juice or milk, can also be usedfor children and infants. The containers can also have a hanger memberto hang a container using a valve 10. The containers can be used in anumber of different recreational settings. The containers are also idealwhen taking part in active sporting activities. Uses also comprehendedby the scope of the invention include storage and dispensing ofindustrial chemicals, medicaments or any other flowable material.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and theinvention is not to be limited to the details given herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve comprising: a housing having an innersurface defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inletopening for a flowable material to pass therethrough; a flexible bladderpositioned within the passageway, the flexible bladder having a firstposition wherein the bladder is in sealing engagement with the innersurface preventing flow of material, the bladder further having a secondposition wherein the bladder is spaced from the inner surface whereinflowable material is allowed to pass through the passageway, theflexible bladder being movable between the first position and secondposition by a partial vacuum applied through the passageway.
 2. Thevalve of claim 1 wherein the flexible bladder has a sealing ring withinthe bladder.
 3. The valve of claim 1 further comprising a retainerengaging the inner surface, the retainer having a stem connected to theflexible bladder.
 4. The valve of claim 3 wherein the retainer has aplurality of holes therethrough.
 5. The valve of claim 1 wherein theflexible bladder is a pressurized vessel.
 6. The valve of claim 1further comprising a support member extending into the passageway fromthe inner surface and positioned between the flexible bladder and theoutlet.
 7. The valve of claim 6 wherein the support member comprises aplurality of ribs.
 8. The valve of claim 1 wherein the housing comprisesa tube.
 9. The valve of claim 1 wherein the flexible bladder isresponsive to pressure enabling said bladder to actuate the valvemember.
 10. The valve of claim 3 wherein the retainer has at least onehole therethrough.
 11. A valve comprising: a housing having an innersurface defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inletopening for a flowable material to pass therethrough; a flexible bladderpositioned within the passageway, the flexible bladder having a firstposition wherein the bladder is in sealing engagement with the innersurface preventing flow of material, the bladder further having a secondposition wherein the bladder is spaced from the inner surface whereinflowable material is allowed to pass through the passageway; and asupport member extending into the passageway from the inner surface andpositioned between the flexible bladder and the outlet, wherein thesupport member comprises a plurality of ribs.
 12. A tubing fordelivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the tubingcomprising: a proximal end; a distal end; an intermediate segmentbetween the proximal end and the distal end; a passageway between theproximal end and the distal end wherein a fluid substance can flow fromthe proximal end to the distal end; and a valve member located along theintermediate segment, the valve member having a closed condition whereina flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end isstopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substancefrom the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve memberbeing biased in the closed condition and responsive to an external forceprovided by a user in the form of a partial vacuum provided by the userthrough the passageway for placing the valve member towards in the opencondition, wherein the valve member includes a flexible bladderresponsive to the external force supplied by the user, wherein theflexible bladder includes a sealing ring and the valve member includes areceiver for accepting the sealing ring, the sealing ring and thereceiver cooperating to form the substantially fluid-tight seal when thevalve member is in the closed condition.
 13. A tubing for delivering afluid substance from a container to a user, the tubing comprising: aproximal end; a distal end; an intermediate segment between the proximalend and the distal end; a passageway between the proximal end and thedistal end wherein a fluid substance can flow from the proximal end tothe distal end; a valve member located along the intermediate segment,the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluidsubstance from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an opencondition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from the proximal endto the distal end is unstopped, the valve member being biased in theclosed condition and responsive to an external force provided by a userin the form of a partial vacuum provided by the user through thepassageway for placing the valve member towards in the open condition,wherein the valve member includes a flexible bladder responsive to theexternal force supplied by the user; and the tubing further comprising asupport member extending along a length of the inner wall from the valvemember to the distal end of the tubing.
 14. A tubing for delivering afluid substance from a container to a user, the tubing comprising: aproximal end; a distal end; an intermediate segment between the proximalend and the distal end; a passageway between the proximal end and thedistal end wherein a fluid substance can flow from the proximal end tothe distal end; and a valve member located along the intermediatesegment, the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow ofthe fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is stoppedand an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from theproximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve member beingbiased in the closed condition and responsive to an external forceprovided by a user in the form of a partial vacuum provided by the userthrough the passageway for placing the valve member towards in the opencondition, wherein the valve member includes a flexible bladderresponsive to the external force supplied by the user, wherein thesupport member comprises a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from theinner wall wherein a cross-sectional area of the passageway is decreasedby the plurality of ribs.
 15. A tubing for delivering a fluid substancefrom a container to a user, the tubing comprising: a proximal end; adistal end; an intermediate segment between the proximal end and thedistal end; a passageway between the proximal end and the distal endwherein a fluid substance can flow from the proximal end to the distalend; and a valve member located along the intermediate segment, thevalve member having a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluidsubstance from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an opencondition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from the proximal endto the distal end is unstopped, the valve member being biased in theclosed condition and responsive to an external force provided by a userin the form of a partial vacuum provided by the user through thepassageway for placing the valve member in the open condition, whereinthe valve member includes a flexible bladder responsive to the externalforce supplied by the user and the valve member includes a retainerextending inwardly from the inner wall of the tubing, the retainerhaving flow holes therethrough, a portion of the bladder being joined tothe retainer.
 16. The tubing of claim 15 wherein the external forceprovided by the user is a partial vacuum pressure.